To fight corruption that has crippled Kenya’s economy, the church has a bigger role to play.
Speaking on Sunday at St Augustine, a Catholic priest at Bahati parish John Kioi said Kenya can only be set free from corruption through prayers, love for one another and realisation that Kenya belongs to 42 tribes.
According to Father Kioi, all religious leaders should encourage their faithful to participate in leadership.
“We lie to ourselves that politicians are the only ones who should ask questions regarding certain issues such as the current Eurobond. Let’s be true to ourselves. This country belongs to us all, not the rich and corrupt. Just because we are saved does not give us a reason to stay away from not holding our political leaders responsible.”
He said it’s unfortunate that a county can buy a wheelbarrow worth more than Sh100,000 hospital curtains worth millions, while children are dying of malaria and kwashiokor.
“The devil is taking the better part of us and our leaders. Don’t we feel ashamed when we involve ourselves in massive corruption? It’s only in Kenya that people are willing to worship their political and tribal kingpins instead of fearing God,” Fr Kioi added.
He said God is not happy with the way Kenyans are being denied opportunities by a few group of people in power, leading to radicalisation among the youth and terrorist attacks.
“If you accept bribes during elections, your leader will definitely be a corrupt one. And through corruption, young men and women are heading to Somalia, and this is the reason we are experiencing terror attacks in every corner of the world,” he said.